By Miguel Rapetti
Sep 21, 2024, 8:48 PM EDT
The United States women’s team secured third place in the U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia on Saturday by beating the Netherlands 2-1 thanks to an own goal by Nayomi Buikema in the 120th minute of extra time.
When it seemed that the 1-1 tie was going straight to the penalty spot, Buikema intercepted a cross inside her area and, unfortunately for her and the rest of her team, the ball ended up meekly in the back of the net.
The goal was the reward for a United States team that fought at all times against the strong defensive barrier put up by the Netherlands, especially in the final minutes of regular time.
The United States took the lead through star Ally Sentnor just 10 minutes into the match, but 15 minutes later Robine Lacroix equalized in the only dangerous collective play for the Dutch.
Tracey Kevins’ team went all out in search of a goal and from early on, the Dutch team took on a defensive role and tried to withstand the rival onslaught.
After the goal, the game became more balanced and more Remmers, Stoit and Bo van Egmond appeared, although Sentnor continued to lead the attacks of the Americans who continued to create opportunities on Liefting’s goal.
In the second half, both the United States and the Netherlands showed signs of tournament fatigue, which was made worse by the fact that both teams had to play overtime in their round of 16 and quarterfinal matches.
The Americans continued to attack with less intensity, but were unable to find the desired goal.
The clearest chance of the second half came in the 87th minute when Dutch player Oude Elbernik had a lethal counterattack after a pass from Fieke Kroese, in which she fired a right-footed shot that crashed off Wy’s left post before going into extra time, which ended with Buikema’s goal that sealed the victory for the Americans.